Clare Runacres faced her then-boyfriend and delivered the heart-wrenching news: her cancer had returned, and it had spread. Living in London, Runacres shared that she had an advanced and aggressive form of the disease, with low chances of survival. In the face of such overwhelming adversity, her boyfriend, Mike Ramsden, made a life-changing decision – to propose. Love and commitment led Ramsden to take this significant step, knowing that their journey together might be cut short.
The unexpected proposal took place during their vacation in Croatia, just a month after Runacres had received the devastating diagnosis. As a journalist at BBC Radio 2, she was blown away by Ramsden’s gesture. However, mixed emotions flooded her mind. She felt empathy for her partner, knowing he was willingly tying his life to hers, even if it meant a painful and brief journey.
Reflecting on her cancer journey, Runacres shared that her battle with the disease began when she was a 20-year-old college student. Despite undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, her doctors informed her that there was no effective treatment to prevent its spread. Traditional approaches like chemotherapy and radiotherapy were ineffective, leaving her with slim hopes.
Nine years later, at the age of 29, the cancer resurfaced. Runacres’s medical team revealed that the majority of patients with her diagnosis would not survive beyond six months. This sobering news left her simultaneously planning her wedding and her funeral. While she refrained from disclosing specific details about her diagnosis and cancer type, Runacres stressed the importance of recognizing that each case is unique and that comparing cases can be detrimental.
After getting engaged in April 2003, Runacres and Ramsden set a wedding date for September of the same year. Their decision to hasten their plans was influenced by the uncertainty of Runacres’s health. They acknowledged that time might be running out and decided to seize the present moment. Their wedding day in Sussex was bittersweet, with the joy of the celebration often overshadowed by the knowledge that their time together might be limited.
Before their wedding, Runacres underwent a second surgery to remove a new cancerous mass. Although the procedure was successful, the constant fear of a relapse persisted. Planning for the future became challenging, with Runacres admitting that they rarely looked further ahead than three months. However, as the years passed, their hopes grew, and they began contemplating starting a family.
Having children seemed like an impossible dream for the couple. Runacres’s health remained stable, and the idea of a family became a topic of discussion. Runacres hesitated, constantly asking if Ramsden was sure that he wanted to embark on this journey with her. Despite the risks, both Runacres and Ramsden realized that investing in their future and pursuing their dreams was worth it.
The couple welcomed two girls, who share the same birthday and are now 13 and 15 years old. Runacres measures her wellness based on the milestones her children achieve, cherishing each magical moment. Recently, the couple celebrated a significant milestone of their own – their 20th wedding anniversary. Surpassing their initial expectations, this momentous occasion evoked profound emotions and gratefulness for the time they have had together.
Runacres acknowledges the rarity of her story, understanding that not everyone with a similar diagnosis has been as fortunate. The cancer remains a shadow in her life, and she doesn’t believe that it will ever fade away completely. Ramsden emphasizes that their journey is one they face together, battling through dark moments and appreciating the beauty in their lives.
To commemorate their 20th anniversary, Runacres took to social media, sharing a glimpse of their remarkable love story. In her tweet, she revealed that they never thought they would make it to their first anniversary, let alone their 20th. Runacres expressed gratitude for the beautiful day they celebrated, surrounded by loved ones, and reminisced about the raw emotions they experienced on that special occasion. Her heartfelt message resonated with millions of readers, many of whom shared their own cancer stories and found inspiration in her message. Runacres hopes that their experience can offer solace and hope to those going through difficult times.
As they marked this milestone with a small gathering at Runacres’s mother’s house, accompanied by their original wedding party, Runacres and Ramsden reflect on their incredible journey. Recognizing their good fortune, Ramsden expresses his delight that Runacres is still by his side. Together, they continue to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
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